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Ukrainian forces report that mercenaries from the Middle East, Africa, and China are being deployed by Russia to pressure positions in the Vovchansk direction, according to Ruslana Bohdan, spokesperson for the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Koshovyi Otaman Kost Kosty Gordienko.
“They (the mercenaries) usually claim it’s their first mission. Most say they haven’t killed anyone or caused harm,” Bohdan said. Ukrainian forces reportedly captured a Chinese mercenary in the area.
According to media reports, over 150 Chinese citizens have fought on Russia’s side. In April last year, soldiers of the 81st OAMBr in Donetsk captured two Chinese nationals, Wang Guangjun and Zhang Renbo.
In Vovchansk, the eastern and southern parts remain under Ukrainian control. A “gray” zone is expanding near nearby villages Tsehelne, Vilcha, and Synelnykove, raising concerns about the risks if the city falls to Russian forces.
